I got a phone call from the tax office saying pay or I could go to jail. What should I do?

I first started working in public practice in  1993, and whilst the tax office does send scary letters when you ignore their initial requests, I have never heard of a legitimate phone call that said pay now on the phone or you will go to jail.

However sadly I have calls every year from clients (particularly the elderly) who have been scared by calls supposedly from the tax office.  If you are in any doubt phone your accountant or the tax office.  Never give out your tax file number or credit card details to a stranger who rings you.